Preston Louis Anderson was born in Greenville, Texas, on 1889 November 20 to Louis M. and Arabella Jane Barnett Anderson. In 1908, he moved to San Antonio and worked as a linotype operator for the San Antonio Light newspaper; he remained in the printing trade for many subsequent years and later worked for the San Antonio Express.

A Democrat, Anderson was elected to represent the 78th district, encompassing San Antonio, in the Texas House of Representatives in 1926. As a legislator, he sponsored a bill to purchase land adjacent to the Alamo for the State of Texas. With the exception of the 1935-1937 term, Anderson served in the legislature until he was elected to be San Antonio's Fire and Police Commissioner in 1941. During his first year as Commissioner, Anderson was involved in the police department’s efforts to shut down San Antonio's red light district, an effort undertaken to protect soldiers stationed in the city. Anderson retired from politics in 1947 upon losing his bid for re-election as the Fire and Police Commissioner.

In 1945, the Republic of Mexico presented Anderson with the Decoration of the Order of the Aztec Eagle for his work promoting understanding and friendship between citizens of Mexico and the United States, specifically in the area of cooperation between police agencies in the two countries. For his efforts combating prostitution and venereal disease, especially among American troops, Anderson became an honorary life member of the American Social Hygiene Association and received a Civilian Commendation from the U.S. War Department.

Preston Louis Anderson married Rosalie Crawford (1889-1961); the couple had one child, Rosemary (1911-2005). Anderson died in San Antonio on 1952 October 18.

The collection includes invitations, programs, a letter, and reports associated with personal and professional activities. Included are programs and reports concerning the presentation of the Order of the Aztec Eagle to Anderson by the Mexican government. A letter from the Provost Marshal in San Antonio praises Anderson's work as Police and Fire Commissioner.

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